Bali Resorts For Beginners: Where To Stay And What To Do

Hello, Bali! Picturesque beaches, yoga retreats and surfer towns… there’s something for everyone on this tropical island.

As soon as holidays came back on the agenda, we immediately started dreaming of an island escape. First stop, Bali! From the rainforest-covered mountains and spanning rice paddies to the scenic coastline, the hip cafés and chic shopping boutiques. Although Bali has something for everyone, each neighbourhood has a distinct vibe and knowing where to stay is essential in creating your dream getaway.

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Villa Finder – Curated selection of Bali villas suited to your preference

Offering a handpicked selection of over 4,000 villas in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, Villa Finder has its roots in Bali. All chosen villas are high-quality, well-maintained, and comfortable – ranging from ultra luxurious to affordable. You can also expect a 24/7 concierge service and friendly staff to assist and take care of your needs throughout your stay. Whether you’re staying at Munduk, Canggu, Ubud or Uluwatu, there are over 900 villas to choose from, with the majority of them with private pools, cabannas and lush greenery.

Use code SASSY to get $300 off for a minimum booking of $5,000. Valid until Saturday, 24 May, 2025.

Villa Finder, Facebook: Villa Finder, Instagram: @villafinder, www.villa-finder.com

Ubud — Stay Here To Practice Yoga And Visit Some Of Bali’s Most Historical Landmarks

Ubud is perfect for those looking to practice yoga and deepen their spirituality. Every street is dotted with yoga studios, plant-based eateries and many historical and spiritual landmarks. Spend the day with playful monkeys at the Monkey Forest or check out Goa Gajah Temple, one of the oldest temples on the island.

• Stay Here — Capella Hotel to be nestled in a lush jungle (with a private heated pool!) in unique ‘tented’ rooms.
• Eat Here — Room4Dessert for a gastronomic journey through sweet treats, with some savouries, inspired by the tropical flavours of Bali.
• Do This — The Yoga Barn hosts classes from a vinyasa flow to aerial yoga and even Tibetan bowl meditation.

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Canggu — Stay Here For Trendy Restaurants, Bars And Summer Spirit

Move over, Kuta. Canggu has taken over! The bustling street of Batu Bolong has become the newest place to go for the hottest new restaurants, bars, shops and the ultimate holiday experience. Cross over the infamous Canggu shortcut for a day at a beach club and watch the sunset over the surfers out in the distance.

• Stay Here — The Cali Villas have picture-perfect decor and adorable scooters.
• Eat Here — Black Sand Brewery for locally brewed pints and backyard barbecues in its beer garden.
• Do This — Book a day bed at Finns Beach Club and dance to its resident or international DJs.

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Uluwatu — Stay Here For Bali’s Beautiful Beaches And The Surfer Lifestyle

Those dreaming of white sand beaches must only drive south to Uluwatu for some of the best on the island. The surf town is adored for its laid-back atmosphere, where the best part of the day is checking out the waves and grabbing a cold one with your mates.

• Stay Here — Alila Hotel for rooms perched on a clifftop with an unparalleled view of the Indian Ocean.
• Eat Here — Bartolo, Uluwatu’s newest neighbourhood bistro dishes up European food and refreshing spritzes.
• Do This — Sunday’s Beach Club for an upscale beach club with daily watersports and a firepit for s’mores.

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Munduk — Stay Here To Escape The Crowds And Immerse Yourself In Mother Nature

The winding roads to Munduk transport you to a part of Bali that tourists don’t typically tend to see. Hidden in the lush jungle are countless waterfalls, temples and rice paddies. It’s the ideal place for people who want to switch off and take in the beauty of Bali. Save time to stop off in Bedugul to pick locally grown strawberries before continuing to the next part of your holiday.

• Stay Here — Munduk Moding Plantation has the most picturesque infinity pool and its own coffee plantation.
• Eat Here — Ulekan for elevated Indonesian cuisine and cocktails with local liqueurs.
• Do This — Walk through the breathtaking Bali Handara Gate for a gram-worthy snap.

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Lovina — Stay Here For Dolphin Watching And Peace And Quiet

Head further north to Lovina or Amed to see even more of the island and hopefully a wild dolphin while you’re by the beach! The seaside town’s long stretch of beach has local restaurants cooking the freshest seafood with pristine views of the ocean. Lovina is great for those wanting a slower pace holiday.

• Stay Here — The Lovina for a boutique hotel on the beachfront.
• Eat Here — Warung Ayu for local cuisine and fresh seafood.
• Do This — Dolphin tours start at sunrise for some of the most scenic memories you’ll ever make.

And if you’re feeling adventurous… why not head to one of Bali’s neighbouring islands for a day of snorkelling, swimming with manta rays and world-class beaches?

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Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated in June 2024 by Veena Raghunath, with thanks to Amber Lai for her contribution.